BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK), the $157.1 billion asset management giant, disclosed in a recent SEC filing that Mark Wiedman, head of the Global Client Business, has resigned from his role, effective today.

BlackRock Inc. is elevating several senior executives to expand its business in the Americas and with key institutional clients, following the announced departure of Mark Wiedman, once seen as a potential successor to Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink.

Asset manager BlackRock's senior executive Mark Wiedman, who was touted to be a potential successor to CEO Larry Fink, is departing the firm, said two sources familiar with the matter.

BlackRock ( BLK) shares rose 4% Wednesday morning as the asset manager posted better-than-expected quarterly results on record assets under management (AUM).

BlackRock posted a 21% fourth quarter jump in profit after buoyant equity markets increased income from fees and drove its assets to a record high of $11.6 trillion, the world's largest money manager said on Wednesday.

Investment management giant BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) reported fourth-quarter and full-year earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 15, that topped analysts' consensus estimates on both top and bottom lines. BlackRock's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter hit $11.